FG restates commitment to diversification of economy

Federal Government has reassured that it is committed to the diversification of the nation’s economic base.

Vice President Namadi Sambo said the government is already looking beyond oil and gas revenue.

He spoke on Monday at a Command Performance/Dinner in honour of participants of the ongoing Abuja National Carnival where he stood in for President Goodluck Jonathan.

Sambo noted that Federal Government would continue to promote the rapid and sustainable growth of the tourism and culture sector of the national economy.

The sector, he said provides economic development option with high capacity for economic empowerment, employment opportunities, poverty reduction as well as good returns on investment.

He further noted that the sector had potentials to make Nigeria a number one tourists’ destination in the world.

He said,”The laudable dreams that gave birth to the carnival have continued to motivate its annual celebration, anchored on the recognition that there exists a nexus between culture and the economic and technological growth of a nation.

“The sector provides economic development option with high capacity for economic empowerment, employment opportunities, poverty reduction as well as good returns on investment. It also has potentials to make Nigeria a number one tourists’ destination in the world.

“Interestingly, the Abuja Carnival has proven to be one successful step in directing attention to the untapped huge investment opportunities in Nigeria’s exceptionally rich and diverse cultural and artistic heritage.”